TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (疾管署) on Tuesday (Jan. 14) linked a recent food poisoning outbreak at INPARADISE (饗饗) branch in Breeze Xinyi to norovirus, after 77 individuals fell ill between Jan. 5 and 7.
The Taipei City Department of Health (北市衛生局) reported that over 70% of those affected had consumed raw fish, a common factor in this outbreak. Lin Kuan-chen (林冠蓁), head of the department's Food and Drug Division (北市衛生局食藥科), confirmed that the investigation included sampling raw fish, oysters, and scallops.
 
The department collected environmental and human samples, with results expected in one to two weeks. The CDC assisted by conducting epidemiological investigations and testing, confirming norovirus in nine cases. It also explained that recent clusters of diarrhea cases predominantly tested positive for norovirus, which has an incubation period of 10 to 50 hours.
Bacterial pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were also identified, with incubation ranging from a few hours to five days. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can last from one to 10 days, varying based on the pathogen and individual immunity.
The outbreak underscores the risks associated with consuming contaminated food or water and highlights the potential for large-scale incidents in schools and hospitality venues. Health officials urge vigilance and proper hygiene to prevent further spread, especially among vulnerable groups like young children and the elderly.